The Bible Edge
Everyone needs an Edge, Believers can have the Bible Edge
John 13:34
A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
You will hear much about love today. Most of it superficial. Let’s go a little deeper. Hopefully not like the preacher that another preacher was speaking about when he said, “He went down deeper, stayed down longer, and came up drier than any other.” But think on this deep thought: Jesus Loves You. That is about as deep a thought about love that there is.
When the Lord spoke these words, He was not only speaking to the eleven (Judas was already dismissed to do his dastardly deed). He was speaking to all believers throughout the New Testament era. He was speaking to you and me. Herein He established that which He called a “new commandment.” Which is …love one another… The Edge on love is found in the last phrase of the verse: as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
Our new commandment in this day and hour is to love each other as Christ loves us. Martin Luther said, “Love is an image of God, and not a lifeless image, but the living essence of the divine nature which beams full of all goodness.” When love is given God is seen. Therein is the key. Love is given. Love is not merely a fleeting feeling of passion, nor is it only a purely chemical combustion, it is a decision made and kept for a lifetime. This is the type of love Jesus extends, He chooses to love.
How much does He love you? Well, John 15:13 states clearly: Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. The Lord did this: Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. (I John 3:16) Consider a pastor, your pastor. They cannot die for you sacrificially, for only the Lord could do that work. But they have sacrificed their financial life for you. Contrary to modern day belief, pastors are not rich. Upon entering the ministry their income earning potential falls far below that which they are worth. Most deal with severe financial hardships. They sacrifice high paying jobs to serve the members of their church. Financially they die to self even as Paul wrote in II Corinthians 6:10 …as poor, yet making many rich… Their love for souls is more valuable to them than money. Like Christ they love you and are more than willing to sacrifice for you.
That is just an example; loving a spouse, parents, friends, etc., are also visible manifestations of the Lord’s love in action. The Bible Edge about love for today is…Choose to love others as Christ has, and is, loving you.
William Howe, Ph.D.
Commentaires